Machine for shaping heels



Ailg. 20; 1929.

N. L. GULLIFORD uAcnmE FOR SHAPING HEELS Filed May 21. 1925 5 Sheets Sh eet 1 Winas EM/W7,

Aug- 1929- N. L. GULLIFORD 1,725,578

MACHINE FOR SHAPING HEELS Filed May 21, 1925 5 Sheets-$heet 2 7.7ig.Z 58

a- 20, 1929- N. L. GULLIFLORD 1,725,578-

NAQHINE FOR SHAPING HEELS Filed May 21, 1925 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 N. L. GULLIFORD MACHINE FOR SHAPING HEELS Aug. 2

Filed May 1925 5 Sheet 5 Patented Aug. 20, 1929.

"UNITED STATES PATENT orricrz.

NICHOLAS L. GULLIFORD, OF. LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO GREGORY & READ COMPANY, OF LYNN, I/IASSAGHUSETTS; A OORZPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

IIEAGHINE FOR SHAPING Application filed May '21, 1925. Serial No. 31,?62.

The present invention relates to machines for shaping heels for boots and shoes and more particularly to machines for forming concave heel seats on wood heels.

In the. manufacture of wood heels,'the rough heel blocks are first grooved at the breast, turned about-the sides and back, concaved at the heel seat, and finally rounded and finished to form a relatively thin lip projecting from the breast face of the heel into the shank. The heel seat cavity is formed according to the usual commercial practice by feeding the heel blank twice beneath a cutter revolvingabout an axis extending transversely to the direction of feed.

The cutter forms a portion of the cavity during each traverse of the blank thereunder. The operation, as carried out in this manner with machines available has distinct disadvantages; it imposes a serious burden on the operator; a considerable percentage of heels may be injured or rendered unfit for use; and the formation of the heel seat in this manner is frequently so inaccurate as to interfere with the desired fit of the heel on the boot or shoe.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved form of machine for quickly and accurately producing the desired form of concave heel seat in the upper face of the heel block.

A further object of the invention is to improve and reorganize machines of this type in a manner to facilitate handling of the work, insure the accurate centering of the work with relation to the cutter member, and facilitate the adjustment of the machine for varying heel sizes and shapes.

Vith these and other objects in view, the various features of the invention consist in certain novel features of construction, combinations and arrangements of parts herein after described and claimed, the advantages of which will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the following description.

In the accompanying drawings illustrat-v ing the preferred form of the invention, Fig.-

l is a side elevation of a concaving machine embodying the features of the invention; Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the machine shown in 1; Fig. 3 is a section looking down on the cutter and work holder upon the line 3-8 of Fig. 1; Fig. i is a detail illustrating a plan view of the work holder and cooperating guide members; Fig. 5 is a section in elevation upon the line 55 of Fig. 4 illustrating the work clamps and method of operating; Fig. 6 is a section upon the line 66 of Fig. 5, illustrating the mechanism for adjusting one side of the work clamp; Fig. 7 is a section upon the line 7-7 of Fig. 5 illustrating a method of operating the cooperating side of the work clamp; Fig. 8 is a detail illustrating partially in section the relative positions of the work and cutter when the work carrier is retained in an inoperative position; Fig. 9 IS a view similar to Fig. 8 illustrating the relative positions of the .members when forming the concave heel seat; Fig. 10 is a detail illustrating the cutter engaged in forming the concave heel seat; and Fig. 11 1s a plan view of a typical form of heel seat produced by the machine.

According to the present invention, the partially formed heel block is rigidly clamped in a supporting carrier with the center line of the heel in substantial alignment with the axis of the cutter. The heel member while rigidly clamped in the carrier 1S moved axially of a rotating cutter head which has a diameter and convexity conforming in general to the desired character of the heel seat concavity. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the heel carrier is supported by a swinging arm designed to move the carrier through a comparatively long arc, the center of the are being positioned sli htly in advance of the cutter member to produce an inward and upward movement of the work during the formation of the heel seat. The carrier'is provided with side clamps so designed that varying sizes of heels are automatically centered with relation to the axis of the rotating cutter. In addition the carrier and sup porting arm may be adjusted vertically to vary the depth of the heel seat cavity as desired.-

Referring more particularly to the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, the machine is provided with a base 20 having an upwardly extending head 22 mounted thereon. A cutter shaft Qtis mounted in bearings 26 and 27 formed in the head and is provided with a drive pulley 28 for rotating the cutter. If so desired, it will be obvious that the cutter shaft may be driven directly by an electric motor or similar nrime mover. Detachably mounted upon the outer end of the cutter shaft 24 is a cut-- ter member 30 having a series of convex cutting teeth 32 corresponding generally with the desired concavity of the heel seat. The cutter is detachably held in place by a locking nut 34 and may be easily replaced by cutters of different size and shape when desired. The work carrier indicated generally at 40 is supported at the lower end of a swinging frame 42 which is fulcrumed at 44 to, move axially of the rotating cutter. As indicated more particularly in Figs. 1 and 2, the upper end of the irame isv not only mounted for swinging movement about the pivot bolt 44 but has provision for a sidewise or lateral movement about a second pivot bolt 46 extending at right angles to the pivot bolt 44 and mounted in a supporting yoke 48. The supporting yoke has provision for a vertical adjustment together with the carrier by virtue of a threaded stem 50 which is engaged by a rotating nut 52 interposed between the upper and lower p01" tions 54 and 56 respectively of a bearing member 58 bolted to an overhanging portion of the head '22. By rotating the nut 52 through. the hand wheel 60, the supporting yoke, frame and carrier 40 may be bodily adjusted in a vertical direction to vary the path of the work with respect to the cutter. In order to preserve the proper relation between the path of the work and the rotating cutter during. this bodily vertical adjustment, the yoke 48 is provided with threaded positioning members 62 and 64 mounted on opposite sides of the yoke and contacting at their free ends with a guide plate 66 mounted upon the head 22 beneath the member 58. These positioning members not only permit an accurate adjustment of the path of movement of the work but in addition insure the maintenance. of a predetermined path of movement independently of the vertical position of the work carrier. As indicated more particularly in Fig. 2, the swinging frame supporting the work carrier consists primarily of oppositely disposed longitudinals 68 braced by cross members 70. The longitudinals at their lower ends are connected to a forwardly projecting support 72, as indicated more particularly in Figs. 8 and 9. The heel supporting carrier is pivoted at opposite sides unon cars 82 extending' upwardly from the support 72. As indicated, a pivot bearing 84 is threadcdly mounted in each of the ears and passes loosely through a depending flange 85 formed on the carrier. The carrier is main tained in a predetermined angular position with relation to the swinging frame and support ('2 by fore and aft positioning members 86 and 87 which are threadedly mounted in the base 88 of the support 72 and engaged at their upper free ends with the underside of the heel carrier. By adjusting the positioning members, a predetermined angular position of the heel carrier may be maintained. The partially formed heel block is rigidly clamped at opposite sidesby clamping slides 90 and 92. As indicated more particularly in Figs. 4 and 5, the clamping slide 90 has provision for adjustment toward and from the cooperating slide 92 through a threaded adjusting member 94 journaled in a flange 96 extending upwardly from the carrier 80 and threadedly connected with a depending web 980 mounted upon the slide. Each of the slides comprises a supporting plate 98 having an inclined clamping face and consisting of a series of thin plates or shims 112 which are staggered or offset to conform in general with the curved breast portion of the heel, fitting this portion of the heel and supporting the latter firmly, as more particularly indicated in Fig. 9. These plates are rigidly secured to a supporting bracket 114 through bolts 116, the supporting bracket being bolted in turn to a cross slide 120. The cross slide is mounted for transverse movement in ways 122 formed on the heel carrier 80 and forms a part of the side heel clamp 92. In other words, a clamping movement of the member 92 causes a like movement of the cross slide and breast clamp 110 for a purpose to be presently described. In order to facilitate the engagement and disengagement of the heel block and to insure that heel blocks of varying dimensions shall be accurately centered with relation to the axis of the cutter, it is desirable to concentrate the clamping movement in the member 92 and to provide means for moving this member quickly into and out of engagement with the heel block previously positioned in its path. To this end the clamping slide is provided with a depending flange 130, as indicated more particularly in Figs. 5 and 7, which is connected with a plunger 132 through a stem 134. The clamping slide is normally retained in the inoperative positionshown in Fig. 5 by a spring 136. The plunger is movable within a stationary cylinder 138, which is connected with a source of air under pressure through a pipe 140. By admitting air into after the clamp is the cylinder behind the plunger, the side clamp 92, together with the cross slide 120 and the breast clamp, is moved bodily in a transverse direction until the face 100 contacts with the edge of the heel block. Theremaintained firmly in position so long as the air pressure is exerted noon the plunger. At the completion of the heel seat operation, the clamp may be readily disengaged by exhausting the air pressure from behind the plunger through any conventional type of three-way control valve (not shown). As indicated more particularly in Figs. 5 and 7, the cylinder 188 is rigidly connected to the heel carrier through a pair of lugs 150 depending from the underside of the cylinder and embracing a projection 152 extending upwardly from the carrier, bolts 151- serving to secure the members against displacement. The movement of the side clamp 92 into inoperative position is limited by engagement of the de pending flange 130 with one end of the projection 152, as indicated in Fig. 5. From an inspection of Figs. 5 and 10 it will be evident that the rotation of the cutter discharges the chips to the right of the heel block in Fig. 5. In order to eject the chips from beyond the clamps, the side clamp is provided with an upwardly and, outwardly inclined guide 156 which causes the chips to be ejected to one side of the heel carrier in a manner which will be'evident to those skilled in the art.

In order to automatically center the path of movement of the heel member with relation to the axis of the cutter and insure the formation of the heel seat cavity accurately with relation to the partially finished heel block, the movement of the carrier beneath the cutter is directed by oppositely disposed guide members 160 and 162 having guide surfaces 163 and 16st respectively, which extend in the general direction of the cutter axis. Each of these stationary guide mem bers has provision for adjustment to vary the path of movement and to cause an automatic centering of widely varying heel sizes with relation to the axis of the cutter. To this end, each guide member is mounted on an arm 166 projecting forwardly from the base 20 and having an adjustable cross slide 168 which carries the guide. The cross slide may be moved toward and from the cutter through an adjusting screw 170 and the guide may be adjusted at right angles to the movement of the putter through an adjust-- ing screw 172, all as indicated more particularly in Figs. 3 and 1. In addition, the guide may be adjusted angularly with respect to the cross slide by virtue of an adjusting screw 174i and a pivot belt 176, a second bolt 178 which passes through a slot 180 formed in the guide serving to lock the latter in adjusted an ular position. This construction permits the guide members to be bodily adjust-ed toward and from one another; to be individually adjusted in a direction axially of the cutter and to be adjusted angularly with respect to one another and to the cutter, thus providing a universal adjustment of the guides for properly directing the path of movement of the heel carrier. The heel carrier is provided on opposite sides with guide rolls 182 and 184 which engage with the stationary guide members during the movement of the carrier beneath the cutter. The guide roll 182 is journaled in a supporting frame 186 mounted directly on the heel carrier 80; whereas the guide roll 184i is journaled in a supporting frame 188 forming a part of the cross slide 120, which carries the side clamp 92. lVith this construction, movement of the side clamp 92 to the right in Fig. 5 to engage with the heel block causes a corresponding movement of the guide roll 18 1- and so far as this movement to the right may be incneased, due to the insertion of a smaller heel blank, the corresponding movement of the guide roll throws the path of movement of the carrier in the opposite direction, thus automatically compensating for the variation in size of the heel blank.

With the above described construction, the

character and location of the heel seat cavity may be varied within desired limits by a proper coordination of the path of movement of the heel blank with respect to the rotating cutter. By changing the cutter and substituting another of different size and shape and by properly coordinating the path of movement of the heel blank with respect to this cutter, a quite different form of cavity may be produced. In other words, the present machine has capacity for forming the desired type of heel seat cavity on shoe heels of widely varying size and design. The feeding of the heel blank axially of a rotating cutter permits the operation of forming the heel seat to be performed with a single movement of the heel carrier and With a minimum liability of damage or injury to the blank. It will furthermore be evident that the center of mass of the heel carrier is so disposed with relation to the fulcrum of the swinging frame that a relatively slight movement on the part of the operator is sufficient to move the heel blank beneath the cutter and return the blank to inoperative position. As indicated, the heel carrier in its normal position supports the blank in an inoperative position out of the path of the cutter. At the completion of the cutting operation, the heel blank is quickly released by relieving pressure from behind the side clamp 92, which permits the released blank to drop downwardly through an opening 200 formed in the carrier, as indicated more particularly in Figs. 5 and 8.

It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the essential reason for adjusting the guide 184 in accordance with the position of the connected side clamp is to center the path of movement of the heel accurately with respect to the cutter, even though individual heels of the same size may vary slightly in diameter. \Vhere heels of out lerent sizes are to be formed on the machine, a rliilerent cutter is ordinarily substituted and the guides readjusted. Inasmuch as there may be a slight adjustmentot the guide rolls 182 and 18% toward and from one another in operating on heels of the same size, it will be evident that both rolls may not contact with the oppositely disposed guide members at all times. This is immaterial, however, if the guide roll 18% is maintained in contact with the cooperating guide member 163.

1 claim:

1. A machine for shaping heels comprising a rotary cutter, a heel blank carrier, means for supporting the carrier for movement in a curved path transverse to the plane of rotation of the cutter, and means for clamping a heel blank in an upright position on the carrier.

2. A machine for shaping heels comprising a rotary cutter, a heel blank carrier, means for supporting the carrier for movement in an arcuate path transverse to the plane of rotation of the cutter, means for adjusting the path of movement of the carrier with relation to the aXis of the cutter, and means for clamping a heel blank in an upright position on the carrier.

A machine for shaping heels comprising a rotary cutter, a heel blank carrier, a pivoted support for causing the carrier to move generally in a direction axially ot the cutter, means for clan'iping a heel blank in an upright position on the carrier, and means for guiding the movements of the carrier beneath the cutter.

at. A machine for shaping heels comprising a heel blank carrier, means for supporting the carrier to permit an in and out feeding movement of the carrier, oppositely disposed clamps mounted on the carrier and designed to engage with opposite sides of a heel blank to rigidly clamp the blank in position, means for imparting a relative to and fro movement to the side clamps, means for engaging and clamping the breast por tion of the heel blank, and a rotary cutter member designed to form a heel seat cavity in the heel blank upon movement of the blank into operative relation therewith.

5. A machine for shaping heels comprising a supporting carrier, oppositely disposed clamps designed to engage with the opposite side edges of a partially formed heel blank and rigidly clamp the blank in an upright position on the carrier, additional clamping means engaging the breast of the heel, means for adjusting one of the clamps, means for imparting a rapid engaging and releasing movement to the opposing clamp to facilitate engagement and release of the work, and a cutter member designed to form a heel seat cavity in the upper face of a heel blank as the latter is moved into contact therewith.

6. A machine for shaping heels comprising a rotary cutter, a heel blank carrier, means for supporting the carrier from an overhead fulcrum to permit in and out movements of the carrier beneath the cutter,.

clamps for engaging opposite sides of a heel blank supported on the carrier, and means for imparting a rapid engaging and releasing movement to one of the clamps.

7. A machine for shaping heels comprising a heel seat cutter, a heel blank carrier, means for supporting the carrier to permit an in and out movement with relation to the cutter, oppositely disposed clamps for engaging with the sides of the heel blank, and means connected with one of the clamps for automatically varying the path of movement of the carrier in accordance with the position of the clamp and the width of heel blank engaged thereby.

8. A machine for shaping heels comprising a heel seat cutter, a heel blank! carrier, means for supporting the carrier to permit an in and out movement with relation to the cutter, oppositely disposed clamps for engaging with the sides of the heel blank, means for guiding the in and out movements of the carrier, and connections between one of the clamps and the guiding means for automatically adjusting the path of movement of the carrier to compensate for varia tions in the width of the heel blanks.

9. A machine for shaping heels comprislng a rotary cutter, a heel blank carrier, means for causing the carrier to move in a path extending axially of the cutter, a guide controlling the path of movement of the carrier with respect to the cutter, oppositely disposed clamps for engaging with the sides of the heel blank and rigidly clamping the latter to the carrier, and connections between one of the clamps and the guide for adjusting the path of movement of the carrier in accordance with variations in width of the heel blanks.

. 10. A machine for shaping heels comprising a rotary cutter, a heel blank carrier, means for supporting the carrier to permit a feeding movement transverse to the plane of rotation or" the cutter, a stationary guide for controlling the path of movement of the carrier, clamps for engaging opposite sides of the heel blank, a cross slide connected to one of the clamps, and connections between the cross slide and guide for causing the path of movement of the carrier to be adjusted in accordance with the width of heel blank engaged by the clamps.

11. A machine for shaping heels comprising a frame, a cutter supported for rotary movement in the frame, a heel blank carrier, a swinging frame connected to the carrier and supported from an overhead-pivot to permit movement of the heel blank to and fro beneath the cutter, oppositely disposed clamps for engaging with the upper side edges of the heel blank and rigidly clamping the blank in an upright position, means for rapidly operating one of the clamps to engage and release a heel blank, and means for permitting the blank to be discharged downwardly through the carrier upon its release by the clamp.

12. A machine for shaping heels comprising a rotary cutter, a heel blank carrier, means for rigidly clamping the heel blank in an upright position on the carrier, means for supporting the carrier to permit an in and out movement of the carrier beneath the cutter and axially thereof, and means for adjusting the path of movement of the carrier both vertically and angularly with respect to the cutter.

13. A machine for shaping heels comprising a rotary cutter, a support, means for causing the support to move to and fro beneath the cutter and axially thereof, a heel blank carrier upon the support, and means for adjusting the carrier angularly with respect to the support to vary the position of the up yer face of the heel blank with respect to the path of movement.

14. A machine for shaping heels comprising a rotary cutter, a support, means for causing the support to move to and fro beneath the cutter and axially thereof, a heel blank carrier pivoted to the support, means for adjusting the carrier angularly about the pivotal connection, and means for clamping a heel blank in an upright position on the carrier.

15. A machine for shaping heels comprising a fralne, a supporting arm pivoted adj acent its upper end in the frame, a support connected to the lower end of the arm, a heel blank carrier mounted on the support, clamps on the carrier for engaging and maintaining a heel blank in an upright position on the carrier, and a rotary cutter with its axis positioned approximately in the plane of movement of the supporting arm and designed to contact with the upper face of the heel blank as the latter is moved thereunder.

16. A machine for shaping heels comprising a rotary cutter, a heel blank support movable to and fro beneath the cutter, oppositely disposed clamps engaging the upper side edges of the heel blank, a plunger connected to one of the clamps, and a cylinder in which the plunger is slidingly mounted designed to have air under pressure admitted thereto for the operation of the plunuger and side clamp.

17. A machine for shaping heels comprising a rotary cutter, a heel blank support movable to and fro beneath the cutter, oppositely disposed clamps engaging the upper side edges of the heel blank, pneumatically operated means for moving one of the clamps into operative position, and a spring for returning the clamp to inoperative position upon release of the pneumatic pressure.

18. A machine for shaping heels comprising a rotary cutter, a heel blank support movable to and fro beneath the cutter, oppositely disposed clamps engaging the upper side edges of the heel blank, each clamp comprising a plurality of plates designed to engage with the side margins of the heel blank only adjacent the upper side edges to rigidly clamp the blank against vertical or sidewise movement, and means for moving the clamps toward and from one another.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

NICHOLAS L. GULLIFORD. 

